US government investigates Stellantis on back of fire-related fatality

US government investigates Stellantis on back of fire-related fatality

October 2, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – October 2, 2024 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) over allegations of Jeeps bursting into flames, even with the vehicle being turned off. 

The investigation comes on the back of a fatality and could lead to a recall of roughly 780,000 SUVs and pickups. 

The following models would be affected:

  • 2021 – 2023  Jeep Wrangler
  • 2021 – 2023  Jeep Gladiator 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on September 6, 2024, following a fatal accident, which happened as a result of a vehicle fire, as reported. 

Aside from that, eight more fires have been reported. A power steering pump – located on the passenger side of the engine compartment, which is where most fires originated – have been identified as the possible culprit.

Risks and safety tips 

All risks posed by vehicle fire, as well as what to do if it happens to you can be found in this article.  

“Burned to the ground”

Many complaints mentioned the vehicle catching on fire out of the blue while driving or parked.  In one case, the fire occurred six hours after the car was parked and turned off. In another case, the car spontaneously “burned to the ground while parked next to [the] house.”  

Other Jeep recalls

The U.S. government is currently investigating Jeep over alleged power loss, as reported.

In December 2023, hybrid Wranglers were recalled over faulty batteries that would overheat, potentially causing a fire, also as reported.     

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Jeep fire recall, affecting more than a quarter of a million SUVs and trucks. To do a Jeep recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis on back of fire-related fatality
Jeep recalls Wranglers, Gladiators over blank instrument clusters

Jeep recalls Wranglers, Gladiators over blank instrument clusters

September 21, 2024 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – September 21, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 32,863 SUVs and pickups, whose instrument clusters may go blank. This can distract the driver and deprive him of “critical safety information,” upping the risk of a crash and injury.

The following models are affected by the issue: 

  • 2020 – 2024 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2018 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler

Recall summary  

The dashboard in the affected vehicles may suddenly go blank, leaving the driver without vital information, such as speed and turn signals’ status. The driver will not be able to get the cluster working after failure.

Recall risks

The defect augments the risk of a crash and injury.

Other Jeep recalls

In March 2024, close to 200,000 Jeeps – including the 2024 Wrangler – were recalled due to issues with the windshield defrosting system, as reported.

In December 2023, over 32,000 Jeep Wrangler hybrid SUVs were recalled over a battery issue that may have resulted in a vehicle fire.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty instrument clusters with upgraded ones free of charge. 

Owners should receive notifications by mail on October 3, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Close to 33,000 SUVs and pickups are affected by this Jeep blank instrument cluster recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicJeep recalls Wranglers, Gladiators over blank instrument clusters
US government investigates Stellantis over SUVs’ power loss

US government investigates Stellantis over SUVs’ power loss

August 13, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – August 13, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, over allegations that their hybrid SUVs may lose power.

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect 94,275 vehicles, including: 

  •  2021 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler 
  •  2022 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 
  •  2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEV

Some of these vehicles were already recalled over the same issue in December 2022. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 5, 2024, following 68 complaints of vehicles suddenly shutting down.

Background of the investigation 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEV was already recalled for this issue in December 2022, as reported. 

However, following the recall, NHTSA received complaints concerning the remedied cars and ones that were not part of the original recall but experienced the same issue.

The investigation was thus opened to both to assess the effectiveness of the previous recall,  as well as to determine whether other models are also affected. 

Risks

A vehicle that stalls is difficult to control. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Other Jeep recalls

In March 2024, Stellantis recalled Jeep Wrangler and  Grand Cherokee hybrids over reduced visibility, as reported.

In May 2024, over 12,000 Jeep Cherokees were recalled due to faulty turn signals, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Jeep stall recall, affecting almost 95,000 hybrid SUVs. To do a Jeep recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over SUVs’ power loss
Stellantis recalls SUVs over disengaging turn signals

Stellantis recalls SUVs over disengaging turn signals

May 9, 2024 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – May 9, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 12,221 2022 Jeep Cherokee SUVs whose turn signals may disengage immediately after being turned on.

The defect augments the risk of an accident.

Recall summary

Turn signals on cars “self-cancel” after the driver returns the steering wheel to the central position. In the affected SUVs, the mechanism that ensures that was not built correctly, causing the turn signal to disengage as soon as the driver releases the stalk.  

Recall risks

With turn signals not operating, other motorists may not be aware of the driver’s intentions, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.       

Other Jeep recalls

Some of these SUVs may have been affected by a July 2023 recall caused by the loss of stability, as reported.

More recently, in May 2024, Jeep recalled hybrid Wranglers and Grand Cherokees over an issue with the windshield defrosting system, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the steering column control module free of charge. 

Owners will be notified on May 17, 2024.    

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 12,000 Cherokee SUVs are affected by this Jeep turn signal recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls SUVs over disengaging turn signals
Stellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler over reduced visibility

Stellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler over reduced visibility

March 4, 2024 Joseph Estabillo

Auburn Hills, MI  – March 4, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 199,143 plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) due to an issue with the windshield defrosting system, which may up the risk of a crash. 

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2022 – 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
  • 2021 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler

Recall summary  

Jeep PHEVs are controlled by a computer called the hybrid control processor (HCP) that receives inputs such as speed, and uses them to “manage the system energy” and control vehicles’ drivability. 

In the affected vehicles, an HCP software error may cause the windshield defrosting/defogging system to malfunction.   

Recall risks

The defect can reduce visibility when the vehicle is being driven in rain or snow, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other Stellantis recalls

The 2022–2023 Jeep Wrangler was part of 6,298 vehicles recalled in October 2023, over issues with the rearview camera and reverse lights, as reported.

In December 2023, Stellantis also recalled 32,136 2021–2023 Jeep Wrangler hybrids because of an increased risk of fire.

The repair

Dealers will update the HCP software free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs free of charge.

Owners will receive letters with more information on April 5, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 200,00 SUVs are affected by this Jeep windshield defroster recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler over reduced visibility
Stellantis recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk, owners to park away from structures

Stellantis recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk, owners to park away from structures 

December 28, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI  – December 28, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, has recalled 32,125 hybrid 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire “with the ignition on or off.”

A fire greatly increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the back of several reports of fires.

Recall summary  

Besides a conventional gasoline engine, hybrid vehicles have an electric motor with a high-voltage battery. In the affected SUVs, the battery pack could – for currently unknown reasons – fail and consequently catch fire. 

Recall risks

A vehicle fire, regardless of whether it happens while driving or parked, poses a serious safety concern with a wide range of potential hazards, including injury and property damage. 

The recall comes on the heels of eight fires. Luckily, no injuries or accidents have taken place.

Safety tips

Owners are advised “not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures” until the repairs are performed. 

The repair

Dealers will update the software that controls the high-voltage battery or replace the battery if necessary.

The repair will be free of charge. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by January 11, 2024. 

Other Jeep recalls

Over 6,000 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators were recalled in October 2023 because their rearview cameras and reverse lights did not work properly, as reported.

More recently, Stellantis recalled close to 100,000 Wagoner SUVs over a problem with the third-row seat belt buckles, also as reported.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 30,000 hybrid SUVs are affected by this battery-fire Jeep recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk, owners to park away from structures 
Stellantis recalls new Jeep Wagoneer SUVs over ‘defective’ seat belts

Stellantis recalls new Jeep Wagoneer SUVs over ‘defective’ seat belts  

November 7, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Auburn Hills, MI  – November 7, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 97,066 vehicles over a problem with the third-row seat belt buckles. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

The supplier behind the recall is also the culprit of multiple other recalls related to seat belts.

The following vehicles are affected: 

  • 2022 – 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 
  • 2022 – 2024 Jeep Wagoneer

Recall summary  

In the affected models, the buckle for the third-row seat belts may be damaged or otherwise inaccessible. This means that third-row occupants may be unable to use the seat belts.    

Recall risks

Failure to use the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion ups the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash. 

Background of the recall

The supplier behind this recall is a Swedish-American parts manufacturer Autoliv, which was also recently implicated in a series of recalls related to faulty child seat locking mechanism, as reported.

It was also behind a recent Rivian recall caused by a faulty passenger seat belt that could prevent the airbag from being deployed.

Other Stellantis recalls

In August 2023, Jeep also recalled Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models over a problem with the side curtain airbags, which could fail to deploy in the event of a crash.   

In October 2023, Jeep issued a recall for the Gladiator and Wrangler models because of issues with the reverse camera and reverse lights.  

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle on the affected models, where necessary. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall.

Owners should be notified by December 15, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 97,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep seat belt buckle recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls new Jeep Wagoneer SUVs over ‘defective’ seat belts  
Stellantis recalls new Jeeps over problems with rearview camera, reverse lights

Stellantis recalls new Jeeps over problems with rearview camera, reverse lights    

October 8, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Auburn Hills, MI  – October 8, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand,  is recalling 6,298 vehicles over a problem with the rear camera and reverse lights. The defects augment the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following vehicles equipped with manual transmission: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator 
  • 2022 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler

Recall summary  

When the reverse gear is engaged, an all gear sensor (AGS) built into the transmission will activate the vehicle’s reverse lights. It will also cause the rearview camera to display an image on the dashboard, helping drivers watch out for obstacles before reversing.  

In the affected vehicles, a defective AGS could prevent the reverse lights and rearview camera from turning on, resulting in no image being displayed on the monitor.  

Recall risks

The risks of an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall. The risks of faulty reverse lights are outlined in this piece about a related Ford recall.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that no image is being shown on the dashboard when the transmission is shifted to reverse. 

Other Stellantis recalls

There was a Jeep Wranger and a Jeep Gladiator recall in April 2023 over the risk of stalling, as reported.  

In August 2023, Stellantis also recalled 44,708 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUV over a problem with side curtain airbags. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the AGS on the affected vehicles free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for repairs prior to the recall announcement.   

Owners will receive letters with more information on November 7, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 6,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep rearview camera and reverse lights recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls new Jeeps over problems with rearview camera, reverse lights    
Stellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment

Stellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment  

September 7, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Auburn Hills MI  – September 7, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – which owns the Jeep brand – is recalling 181,999 2022-2023 Jeep Compass compact crossovers over a problem with the settings of the cars’ instrument panel.

The issue augments the risk of an accident and injury.   

Recall summary  

In automotive electronics, a computer called the body control module (BCM) is in charge of the different electronic features of a vehicle. Among the functions that the BCM regulates is the backlight brightness on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).

In the affected vehicles, the BCM was programmed incorrectly, preventing users from adjusting the intensity of the IPC backlight while using the vehicle.    

Recall risks

If the backlight is too low, users will not be able to adequately see the vehicle speed, engine temperature and other relevant safety-related information. If the backlight is too bright, users may become distracted. Either situation ups the risk of an accident.          

Other Jeep recalls

Just last month, Stellantis recalled roughly 44,000 of Jeep Wagoneer SUVs over a problem with the cars’ side airbags, as reported.

Earlier in the summer, over 330,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee cars were recalled due to a loss of stability, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the BCM software in the affected vehicles free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall announcement. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by October 3, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Around 182,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep instrument panel call. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment  
Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall

Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall

June 24, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – June 24, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand is recalling 12,458 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee hybrids because they may shut down. The resulting loss of power ups the risk of a crash and injury. The recall comes on the back of multiple customer complaints.

Recall summary  

All listed SUVs are plug-in hybrids fitted with a 2-liter engine and an electric motor. Their drive-related functions are managed by a computer called the hybrid control unit (HCU). Due to unknown reasons, the communication between the transmission and HCU may be lost. This may lead to the vehicle stalling with no warning.

Recall risks

Unexpected engine shutdown may cause a loss of motive power. In fact, leading up to the recall, the manufacturer received “seven customer assistance records, 10 warranty claims, and six field reports” about the stall.

No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Jeep recalls

Earlier this month, a large batch of Cherokee SUVs was recalled over a risk of fire, as reported.

Last April, over 45,000 Jeep and RAM vehicles were recalled also because of the risk of stalling.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the engine’s software. This repair will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 12,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep engine recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall
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